Chilean Rescue Team Reaches Halfway Mark Ahead of Schedule

Chile, 29 September 2010: Relatives of the Chilean miners trapped underground for nearly two months are celebrating news of the drill’s rapid advance with hopes that they could be rescued sooner than originally thought.

Rescuers say that one of their drills has successfully cut through 50 meters (164ft) of rock in 24 hours and could be ready to bring the men out by the middle of October providing they do not run into any problems which could delay the rescue to early November as originally suggested.

One of the three drills ‘T-130’ has drilled down 300meters (984ft) of the 680 meter rock that separates the surface from the miners which is said to be the best due to the continuity of the operation. Relatives who have camped out since the incident on 5th August cheered as the news was announced.

A steel capsule is standing by on the surface, ready to bring up the miners through the narrow shaft once the digging is complete to a field hospital that is being set up to give the men medical attention as and when they are brought up.

Construction work has started on a platform large enough to accommodate up to 1,000 reporters from around the world who are expected to report on the rescue as the miners are brought up to the surface.

Cristian Barra, the Interior Ministry Cabinet Chief stated that all the elements for the rescue are being put in place to be ready in 15 days to complete the rescue at any time. “This does not mean it will happen in 15 days, but all the installations, the hospital, the medical team, the meeting point- everything required will be prepared.”

The messages you read here are opinions from the public and posted into the Forum automatically. The systems owner is not responsible for any content in the Forum or any comments posted. There is no proof that the contents posted are genuine or not, even if the name of the poster is real, th erefore, please use common sense when reading the Forum. If there are topics which are against the law or immoral, please contact webmaster@pattayadailynews.com

Thank you, Jono. That's my alias. I have not been feeling very appreciated lately, so I used a pen name, what with Singh so upset with me and the tremendous influence he exerts on the rest of the readers and their comments.

Happy to make you happy.

spoon

30 Sep 2010 , 11:08am

This is what happens when we have minors do our dangerous work. This kind of work should only be done by adults!

harry harmony

30 Sep 2010 , 10:40am

I bet Halfway Mark and his friends and family will be delighted with this news!